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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
I got interested in the story behind Gustav Klimt's portrait of Adela Bloch-Bauer earlier this year, so I gave this novel a try. It follows both the story of Adele, who maintained a lively Viennese discussion salon in early 1900s and was an avid patron of the arts, and her niece Maria, who ultimately was able to win ownership of her aunt's painting after a protracted legal battle with the Austrian government.
The book is very readable, and the author does a good job of bringing the Viennese setting to life. I actually found Maria more interesting in this story than I usually do. Adela seems a bit inscrutable and cryptic, which is probably why I find her such an interesting historical figure, and I felt like the author's attempt to bring her to life often led to too many scenes of characters talking like book characters about Important Things rather than real people. I do agree with her (and many others) that Adela and Klimt had an affair, but there was an addition she made to Maria's story that I found in poor taste.
Not a bad book by any means but also not my favorite historical fiction about famous paintings either.
The book is very readable, and the author does a good job of bringing the Viennese setting to life. I actually found Maria more interesting in this story than I usually do. Adela seems a bit inscrutable and cryptic, which is probably why I find her such an interesting historical figure, and I felt like the author's attempt to bring her to life often led to too many scenes of characters talking like book characters about Important Things rather than real people. I do agree with her (and many others) that Adela and Klimt had an affair, but there was an addition she made to Maria's story that I found in poor taste.
Not a bad book by any means but also not my favorite historical fiction about famous paintings either.
I’ve long since been a fan of Klimt, so when I randomly found this on a library shelf a few weeks ago I picked it up simply because it had a pretty cover and interesting title, but I knew I needed to read it as soon as I opened it up l and saw Woman in Gold and read Klimt’s name in the synopsis. Despite long being an admirer of his, I had no idea about the story and history behind some of his works. This novel was beautiful from start to finish. I don’t normally enjoy books that bounce between time periods and different perspectives, but the stories tied together so well that this time it didn’t bother me. I thought the ending was slightly rushed, but I still wound up crying on and off for the last 30 or so pages. I absolutely loved it.
Amazing book very well researched and as historical fiction it seemed focused and realistic
So after some thought, I changed my review to 4 stars- although more like 3.5. In fairness the book is written really well so that is why I upped the stars. My issue was with Adele as one of 2 main characters. She was self serving and her affair with Gustav Klimt showed who she really was. Just like some recent fictional characters, I have read lately, if these people would invest this much passion and energy into their significant others I am sure their lives would be much more satisfying. Ironic that the Nazis who took her art from her husband had ties to Klimt. Maria was a much more moral, brave & lovable character although her cheating husband was a shame and I felt like her explanation for fighting for the return of the famous artwork had some greed involved, (selling it for 135 million as opposed to just donating it to a American museum themselves.) not that I fault them from taking it from the museum that had no right to have it either considering how much was stolen by the Nazis!
Novel about Klimt's painting of Adele Bloch Bauer, which was stolen by the Nazis - also the basis of the film Woman in Gold starring Helen Mirren. The story alternates between Adele's life in turn-of-the-century Vienna and her niece Maria's escape from the Nazis. In this case, both storylines worked and were equally compelling.
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
After visiting a Klimt Exhibit in San Francisco, I was drawn to reading this book. Transported to Vienna, the story gives you a colorful look at the lives of artist Klimt, one of his greatest muses and patrons, Adele Bloch-Bauer, and her brave niece Maria who fought for the rightful return of the famous Lady in Gold painting to her family after it was stolen during WWII. A quick and easy read, but a powerful story none the less.
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No